The influence of four wound dressings on the kinetics of human walking.

OBJECTIVES: This in vivo study (the second phase of a research project first described in the February issue of Journal of Wound Care) reports on the influence of various wound dressings on the dynamics of human walking. Allevyn (Smith and Nephew), Biatain (Coloplast), Lyofoam (Seton Scholl) and Tielle (Johnson and Johnson) were used in this study. The investigation aimed to assess the ground reaction forces in the foot while the dressings were applied to the plantar surface of the foot. METHOD: A strain gauge force plate system was used. Six subjects with 'normal' gait patterns and no foot pathology were recruited into the study. Eight trials were recorded for each subject. The peak push-off force, in the vertical component of the ground reaction force, and the maximum braking and propulsive forces in the medial-lateral component of the ground reaction force were estimated and reported. RESULTS: Among the various dressings tested, Allevyn performed closest to barefoot in the peak push-off force and demonstrated an increased braking force at the deceleration point in the gait cycle. CONCLUSION: These findings may have implications for clinicians selecting wound dressings for the treatment of certain foot ulcerations. However, further clinical research is warranted in this area.